Secrets to Curving a Bowling Ball

Curving a bowling ball (also known as hooking a bowling ball) is
a technique where the bowling ball curves in it's path down the
lane, in contrast to a straight shot. We use this technique as the
bowling ball will hit the pins with more force and accuracy… and
will make you look like a pro!

First things first. Is the ball too heavy? A heavier
bowling ball is not always the best bowling ball (read blog post
from 28 August). You must be able to hold it comfortably so
that it does not affect your swing. A good trick is to stand
tall and hold the ball with your bowling hand. Swing the ball back
and forth and repeat this motion a few times to judge if the ball
has made your arms heavy or tired. Once you have found the
right ball you are ready to begin.This blog will guide you through
the process and give you a few tips to get you on your way.
This technique takes determination and practice, so there's no
excuse for not booking that lane. There's a few different
techniques to curving a ball, we recommend you try this one to get
you started.

Place your middle finger in the left hole and your index finger
in the right hole with your thumb resting in the last hole.

Cup the ball so that it's resting on you wrist, as you start
coming out of your back swing to release the bowling ball, the
first thing to remember is the ball must roll off of your hand.
As you release you need to spin the ball as hard as you can.
For right-handers the ball should spin from right to left
(for left-handers it will spin left to right). Try not to
force your wrist or move your arm sideways across your body as this
will make the ball hard to control.

For a good curve, side-spin is ideal, so watch the ball as it
travels down the lane to see how much side spin you are
achieving.

Remember the follow-through, as you release your arm you should
continue to swing forward and towards your target.

Pro Tip: To help control your curve, aim for a specific arrow
(you'll see these marked on the lane a metre or so from the foul
line), then watch where the ball is as it reaches the pins.
Videos of your best curves welcome @tenpin_bowling.
Send us a link and we may include some on our blog.

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